While many people go to college and work a 9-5 job, Lauren Matocha and Griffin Macer were two souls, traveling through life on their own paths, laser focused on their goals, and always trusting their intuition. Griffin has created business after business since high school, all while traveling the world and living a life full of adventure. Lauren dove headfirst into the fashion industry with no connections and little experience. She grinded her way to the top, making a name for herself and started her own successful jewelry and styling company. And although their accomplishments alone are inspiring, it’s the beauty of their independent paths intertwining that makes for the best story.
A Bumble Success Story
Lauren and Griffin met via Bumble in the summer of 2019. Griffin had just returned from a two-year adventure in Australia and Bali and was starting a new business while readjusting to life back home. Lauren was established in her industry and was ready to take the next step in life – finding someone to enjoy it with. Her initial thoughts of Griffin were that he was adventurous, happy, free, alive, confident, soulful, lived life beautifully and loved to travel and see the world. He was also very handsome, which obviously didn't hurt. And Griffin felt the same. Through her pictures, he could tell this girl was different, yet familiar. A girl more stylish than him; she must be the one.
“Rather than feeling as if they were meeting for the first time, they felt like they were reunited.”
On their first date, sparks were flying, and they both felt it. There was an instant sense of comfort. Rather than feeling as if they were meeting for the first time, they felt like they were reunited. Enjoying a dinner and sharing thoughts, hopes and aspirations deep into the night, they felt like time had stopped. When confronted with the realities of two independent souls at very different phases in this life, a future seemed implausible. But souls do not have calendars or clocks, nor do they understand the notion of time, distance, or age. They only know it feels right to be with one another.
Engaged in Ojai
Griffin proposed in December 2020 on their favorite hike, Shelf Road. Lauren shares, “Ojai is a magical place to us because we spent a ton of time there during COVID when life was so stressful and uncertain. I thought we were just going on a hike that we always do when we’re in Ojai. We got to our sunset spot to take a picture because it was the most epic sunset I have ever seen, and he got down on one knee. It was completely unexpected and the most beautiful, emotional moment.”
Planning a Wedding in 3 Months
The couple started the wedding planning process in January 2022 and got married on April 15, 2022. After searching endlessly for destinations and venues, they decided to have an intimate wedding and selected a private residence in Palos Verdes, where Griffin is originally from. Next on their list was finding the perfect planner who could bring their vision to life and pull off planning a wedding in 3 months. Robin and Kathleen from RMBO Collective were everything they were looking for. They agreed to the fast timeline and the planning began instantly.
“From the florals to the custom hand painted menus created by My Lady Dye, the food, to the music playlists, to the songs we walked down the aisle to and the lighting, I wanted to put my touch on everything,” Lauren says. “I’m a stylist so the details are everything for me. I wanted the whole day/evening to be an experience filled with endless love.”
Designing a Custom Wedding Dress
Being a stylist, Lauren knew exactly what she wanted her wedding day look to be. Designing a custom wedding dress was imperative, and she made a call to Linda Holler of Virtuo Studio, who does custom eveningwear and bridalwear.
“I wanted to feel like myself on my wedding day,” Lauren shares. “I skipped trying on tons of dresses at bridal stores because I already knew from my experience styling brides that what I wanted wasn’t out there. Linda and I had worked together in the past on atelier pieces for clients when she was at August Getty. I told her what I wanted and that we had two months. She assured me that we could do it and we got started immediately. I wanted something flowing, sexy, effortless, elegant, romantic, dramatic and ethereal. Most importantly, I wanted to feel comfortable. I drove an hour each way to Altadena to meet with Linda every week, sometimes twice a week, because the deadline was tight, to make sure every detail was perfect. The pattern and artwork placing each pearl and crystal were made and was digitally sent to a couture beader in Mumbai. Every detail was immaculate.”
For her bridal hair and makeup, Lauren wanted everything to complement her custom wedding dress and overall vibe. Tammy Pham created a soft and natural bridal glow, and Sylvia Heranchian styled her tresses into a soft down bend wave.
A European Inspired Wedding at a Private Estate in Rolling Hills
When the big day arrived, guests gathered for Lauren and Griffin’s wedding at a private estate in Rolling Hills. With the help of Signature Party Rentals and BBJ La Tavola, guests were instantly transported to a European inspired setting with an unmatched ocean view and an effortlessly elegant ambiance. Guests were taken on a journey throughout each phase of the celebration. Upon arrival, they were greeted with a pre ceremony spritzer and a parasol. Italian summer instrumentals were played as guests took their seats. The ceremony was officiated by the groom’s brother, Jake Macer, in front of 125 of their closest friends and family members. The bride and groom walked down the aisle to Rüfüs Du Sol’s “Next to Me” and “Brighter”. The ceremony was a spiritual journey, which included a reading from “The Alchemist” and the bride and groom shared their personal handwritten vows.
Cocktail hour looked like a scene from a European film, with impeccably dressed guests sipping hand crafted signature cocktails that matched the colorful sunset hues. As the sun set, guests took their seats at long, romantic, candle-lit dinner tables perched on a cantilevered deck with a stunning ocean view. The florals by Lauren at NuLeaf Design mimicked the pinks and oranges as the sky lit up and the sun set. Guests enjoyed a spring, farm to table Italian-inspired meal by WhoaNelly Catering, while listening to toasts by family and friends. As the night fell, the rock amphitheater lit up with bright colors and disco balls hanging from the trees, setting the vibe for the perfect dance party.
The couple was welcomed by a sparkler entrance onto the dance floor for their first dance to “Beyond” by Leon Bridges. Guests enjoyed a spring berry millefeuille wedding cake from WhoaNelly Catering and custom gelato cart. The dance party continued late into the evening with a silent disco as two It’s Honey DJs played hip-hop and house music. The love and warmth of this event filled the air the entire evening and the colorful vibe of the wedding made a lasting impression on each and every guest. Jana Williams Photography and Gosh Visuals captured it all to perfection, ensuring Lauren and Griffin will be able to cherish these memories for a lifetime to come.
Honeymooning in Mexico
For their honeymoon, Lauren and Griffin traveled to one of their favorite places in the world, Careyes, Mexico. They rented the cutest little pink beach bungalow directly on the beach and had the most perfect relaxing honeymoon. On the itinerary was a sound bath at Copa de Oro, healing massages on the beach, indulging in delicious food and just enjoyed the calmness of Careyes.
“I think my favorite part of our honeymoon was just waking up every morning to the most beautiful ocean view, walking out of our bungalow directly to the beach, and feeling a sense of calmness knowing I'm with my soulmate,” Lauren reflects. “It was a dream.”
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Private Estate, Rolling Hills, CA; Planning & Event Design: RMBO Collective, Los Angeles, CA; Floral Design: Nu Leaf Design, Los Angeles, CA; Rentals: Signature Party Rentals, Found Rental Co.; Linen: BBJ La; Tavola, Los Angeles, CA; Caterer & Cake: Woah Nelly Catering, Los Angeles, CA; Invitations: My Lady Dye, Fairhope, AL; Engagement Ring: Mark Broumand, Los Angeles, CA; Wedding Dress: Lauren Matocha Macer & Linda Holler; Bridal Salon: Virtuo Studio, Altadena, CA; Groom’s Attire: Lauren Matocha Macer & Andrew Weitz; Cinematography: Gosh Visuals; Photography: Jana Williams, Los Angeles, CA